Poland remains firm against any harmful approaches to migration and views a referendum as essential to amplify its voice within the European Union framework. The stance was conveyed after discussions in the European Parliament and during a gathering of EU ambassadors, underscoring the importance of substantive debate on migration policy for member states.
In an interview, the EU affairs minister highlighted two recent events on the same day that directly relate to the bloc’s migration agenda. These events included the parliamentary debate on the urgent need to adopt the asylum and migration package and the decision to advance the final component of the migration and asylum package during a meeting of ambassadors from EU nations.
“Perfect Evidence”
The minister challenged claims advanced by the broad opposition that there is no significant problem with illegal migration, that no mandate exists to impose a binding system, and that Poland should not regard a referendum as necessary or valid. He asserted that such assumptions misread the situation and stressed the necessity of engaging with Europe’s future directions through a clear public mandate.
Looking ahead to the European Council summit, the minister observed that migration remains a central topic across Europe. He noted that several states have signaled a desire to revisit migration issues at the highest level of EU discussions, pointing to ongoing debates and the broader context of a European response to migration challenges.
He added that European institutions are pursuing remedies for a problem with well-understood causes, a course he described as familiar and potentially ineffective against the root issues. He also noted the political risk associated with pursuing changes that have previously not yielded the desired outcomes.
The minister criticized a past approach supported by a governing party and reiterated his view that the same policy direction continues to be contested. He highlighted the referendum as a crucial instrument for articulating Poland’s position and for opposing relocation requirements that have been proposed in certain European plans. He stressed his commitment to ensuring that Poland’s stance remains unambiguous and influential within EU discussions.
He emphasized that the referendum is necessary to safeguard the weight of Poland’s vote in EU decision-making and to prevent a shift toward compulsory refugee relocation arrangements that he views as harmful. This point was framed as a defense of national sovereignty and a clear expression of the popular will on migration policy.
Asked whether Poland would take an equally firm position if migration topics surface at an informal European Council meeting in another country, the minister asserted that migration would inevitably appear on the agenda and that Poland’s position would remain decisive, unwavering, and consistent—principles the country has championed since 2015.
Debate
The European Parliament conducted a debate on the need for rapid adoption of the asylum and migration package. A unified European system for asylum and migration was presented as an urgent priority by proponents who urged stronger solidarity and faster action from all member states.
Advocates pressed for mechanisms that can differentiate between newcomers and those seeking asylum, while calling for an end to perceived hypocrisy within the EU. They framed the issue as a pivotal moment for the bloc, arguing that a timely reform would prevent the rise of populist and radical movements and would pave the way for a coherent European solution. The need for a comprehensive, immediate reform was underscored by the debate’s participants.
On the same day, the final portion of the Migration and Asylum Pact was approved in Brussels during a gathering of EU ambassadors. Poland and another nation stood in opposition, while several states abstained. The approval opened the path to negotiations with the European Parliament on the pact’s final form. Within Poland’s forthcoming referendum—linked to parliamentary elections—one of the questions would address public support for the admission of large numbers of people under a relocation mechanism overseen by European authorities.
In summary, the evolving EU migration framework and Poland’s referendum plan are seen as pivotal in shaping future policy. The discussions highlight the tension between regional sovereignty and collective EU action, with many arguing that a well-structured, transparent approach is required to manage migration effectively while preserving national interests.
Note: The content reflects the general discourse surrounding EU migration policy and does not rely on individual sources within this reformulated presentation.
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